Frank Chance gets hit by pitch five times in a doubleheader.

May 30, 1904, marked an unusual day in baseball history as Frank Chance, the legendary first baseman and manager for the Chicago Cubs, found himself on the receiving end of a rather painful record. In a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds, Chance was hit by a pitch not once, not twice, but an astonishing five times. This remarkable feat has secured its place in history, making it a unique event worth revisiting.

The incident occurred at Cincinnati’s Palace of the Fans, which was the home field for the Reds at the time. While being hit by a pitch is not uncommon in baseball, the sheer number of times it happened to Chance in a single game is what makes this event stand out. Chance, known for being a tough and resilient player, endured an unforgettable barrage of fastball strikes that left him bruised and battered.

The first game of the doubleheader started innocuously enough, but the first pitch of the second inning changed everything. Chance was struck by a pitch thrown by Reds pitcher Jack Harper, who, likely unintentionally, targeted the Cubs’ star player. Instead of showing signs of pain or frustration, Chance took his base calmly, ready to continue the game.

However, history had other plans. In the fourth inning, Harper once again hit Chance with a pitch, making it the second time in the same game. This time, Chance couldn’t hide the visible signs of discomfort, as he gingerly made his way to first base. But even as the Cubs’ bench and fans worried about their star player, Chance displayed true determination and refused to let the repeated hits hinder his performance.

As if two hit-by-pitches weren’t enough, the sixth inning witnessed Chance being struck by a third pitch. This time, pitcher Orval Overall took aim at Chance, leaving an almost surreal state of disbelief on the field. Fans and players alike watched in awe as Chance once again shrugged off the pain and continued with the game.

By the seventh inning, Chance had already surpassed the existing record of being hit by a pitch three times in a single game. However, that wasn’t enough. Reds pitcher Jack Sutthoff seemed to have taken it upon himself to etch his name in baseball history by hitting Chance for the fourth time. This incident left many questioning the motive behind these successive hits, some even suggesting a personal vendetta against Chance.

As the second game of the doubleheader progressed, it seemed inevitable that Chance would be hit once again. The question was not if, but when and by whom. Much to everyone’s surprise, it was pitcher Jake Weimer who claimed the dubious honor, hitting Chance for the fifth time that day. With each hit, Chance’s ability to withstand the pain and carry on showcased his resolute spirit, becoming a testament to his unwavering dedication to the game.

While this particular doubleheader went down in history for Chance’s misfortune, it also highlighted the importance of player safety. In today’s game, rules and regulations have been implemented to protect players from such repeated hits. The incident surrounding Chance eventually led to the introduction of rules that automatically awarded the batter first base after being hit by a pitch, regardless of intent. This change helped shape the game and prioritize player safety without compromising the competitiveness and excitement of baseball.

Frank Chance’s remarkable achievement of being hit by a pitch five times in a doubleheader still stands as an extraordinary record in the history of baseball. It is a testament to his resilience and passion for the game, reminding us of the physical challenges players endure in their pursuit of victory. Today, as we watch modern-day players excel in the sport, we can reflect on this historic event and appreciate the evolution that has taken place in the game of baseball over the past century.